African Wild Dog Habitat
The African Sahara brings many animals to mind: elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards and thousands of antelopes. People rarely think of the thousands of wild dogs that live on the African plains. Although these dogs are less well known than their feline counterparts, they are also deadly hunters in their own right
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Facts
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African wild dogs inhabit the wide-reaching plains of the continent. They are descendants of domesticated dogs that became wild. The dogs live in dangerous, cagey packs that can range from 10 to 100 in number, and terrorize the animals that share their habitat.
Charateristics
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African wild dogs are generally 24 to 30 inches in height and weigh anywhere from 35 to 80 pounds. They are medium-sized and look roughly like German shepherds, with mottled brown, black and beige coats that camouflage them in the grasslands and forests. They can live for up to 10 years. African wild dogs are endangered because of hunting and the destruction of their habitat. Only 2,000 to 5,000 still survive in the wild.
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Geography
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African wild dogs range through the south of the African continent and into the African Sahara. A similar breed of wild dog is found in Australia, where the environment and temperature are similar.
Habitat
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African wild dogs range across several different habitats. They can survive in grasslands, savannas and woodlands, as long as there is adequate food, water and shelter. These animals can be killed by lions, cheetahs and leopards, but are usually predators and scavengers rather than prey. Nonetheless, they require shelter for puppies and for rest.
Food
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African wild dogs hunt in packs, with strategic movements meant to separate and trap their prey. Wild dogs live in habitats that also house antelope, zebras, wildebeests, springboks, gazelles and impala. Grassland and savanna habitats make for easier hunting for packs of wild dogs.
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References
- Photo Credit wild dog image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com
